4 days gorilla trekking and habituation in bwindi
4 days gorilla trekking and habituation in Bwindi: Engage in both gorilla tracking and gorilla habituation experience is exceptional, providing distinct experiences for participants. The demand for habituation licenses is exceedingly strong, as only four permits are provided daily, in contrast to the eight permits allocated per group for ordinary trekking. The habituation experience is strongly advised for photographers and wildlife researchers.
One can allocate four hours to the semi-habituated gorillas and merely one hour to the habituated groups. Although this is appealing, it is important to note that the semi-habituated group may exhibit far less relaxation, whereas the habituated groups are more inclined to feel at ease, providing an authentic experience of engaging with the gorillas in their natural environment. Ensure to bring a walking stick from the briefing point and gardening gloves are important. Gaiters are not essential but can be advantageous in preventing your bootlaces from becoming entangled or undone by dense vegetation. It is advised to carry a minimum of 2 liters of water, along with a packed lunch and snacks. Porters are invaluable and strongly endorsed, as we cannot guarantee the condition of the terrain during trekking.
Highlights of 4 days gorilla trekking and habituation in Bwindi
- Day 1: Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Expedition
- Day 3 gorilla habituation experience
- Day 4 Boat Cruise and transfer back to Kampala
Day 1: Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Our tour guide s will collect you from the hotel at 7 AM, provide a briefing on your habituation safari, and then proceed to Bwindi. The distance to the southern area is around 540 km, requiring about 9 hours of driving. The journey is lengthy but rewarding, offering numerous sights along the route, including the possibility of observing zebras and impalas grazing in Lake Mburo Park. You will have a layover at the equator for photography and experimentation, followed by another halt in Mbarara town for lunch.
Proceed with your journey, arriving at your lodging in the evening. An overnight stay at Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, or Gorilla Safari Lodge. Four gorillas reside at the exclusive Luxury Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge.
Day 2: Gorilla Tracking Expedition
Following breakfast at the resort, you will proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing with the Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger guides. Subsequent to the briefing, the rangers will escort you into the dense, impenetrable jungle to commence your search for the endangered rare species of Mountain Gorillas. The search for the gorillas consistently resumes from the location where they were last observed the preceding day. Upon arriving at the location of these renowned animals, you will be permitted to engage with them for only one hour, and you must maintain utmost stillness in the presence of these gorillas. You are permitted to take photographs and similar activities. Locating the gorillas is a laborious endeavor, often requiring 3 to 8 hours. Upon encountering these gorillas, the challenges endured to locate them will swiftly fade from memory, replaced by the positive experiences shared with them. Subsequent to the interaction, you may go for a community walk or choose to unwind in your resort. Evening meal and accommodation for the night.
Day 3: Gorilla habituation experience
The gorilla habituation experience occurs in the southern region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, known as Rushaga. Subsequent to breakfast, the driver guide will convey you to the briefing location, where you will obtain directives on appropriate conduct within the forest. The habituation experience provides an extended opportunity to learn about gorillas in their natural habitat, allowing a total of four hours in their presence. The objective is to acclimate gorillas to human presence in their habitat to facilitate future gorilla trekking. Subsequent to this adventure, you will proceed to Lake Bunyonyi. Dinner and overnight stay at Budget Bunyonyi Overland Camp, mid-range Arcadia Cottages, or luxury Bird’s Nest Lodge.
Day 4: Boat cruise and return to Kampala.
Savor a delectable breakfast before embarking on a boat excursion on Lake Bunyonyi, where you will explore numerous islands while seeing terraced hills and avian wildlife. Subsequently, commence your drive to Kampala, stopping for lunch along the way, and arriving in the late evening. Conclusion of the safari!